Vending machine for newspapers and periodicals



Feb. 4, 1969 T. s. MARCZAK ETAL 3,425,596

VENDING MACHINE FOR NEWSPAPERS AND PERIODICALS Filed Sept. 27, 1967 Sheet of s THADDEUS S. MARCZAK FRANK A. CASANOVA BY M s ATTORNEY Feb. 4, 1969 T. s. MARCZAK ETAL 3,425,596 VENDING MACHINE FOR NEWSPAPERS AND PERIODICALS Filed Sept. 2'7, 1967 Sheet 3 of5 E INVENTORS- THADDEUS s. MARCZAK FRANK A. CASANOVA ATTORNEY 1969 T. s. MAFQQZAK ETAL 6 VENDING MACHINE FOR NEWSPAPERS AND PERIODICALS Filed Sept. 27. 1967 Sheet 5 of s w H Mu" Q 1 1 l 7 go INVENTORS THADDEUS S. MARCZAK FRANK A. MSANOVA BY M M ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,425,596 VENDING MACHINE FOR NEWSPAPERS AND PERIODICALS Thaddeus S. Marczak, 1227 N. Olsen 85719, and Frank A. Casanova, 6002 Wendrew Lane 85711, both of Tucson, Ariz.

Filed Sept. 27, 1967, Ser. No. 671,014

US. Cl. 22177 10 Claims Int. Cl. G071? 11/40; B65h 1/02 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A vending machine for periodicals having a supporting conveyor enclosed by a housing with a conveyor actuating handle extending therefrom. A slot and feeding mechanism are disposed at the forward edge of the machine for dispensing individual periodicals on actuation of the conveyor. A coin-released locking mechanism normally blocks operation of the conveyor.

Background of the invention Prior art vending machines of the type to which this invention pertains include devices comprising housings for enclosing periodicals and a coin-operated locking mechanism for preventing opening of the housing until the proper coin or coins are inserted in the locking mechanism. Such devices are unsatisfactory in that, upon release of the housing, all of the periodicals enclosed therein are subject to removal.

Other coin-operated vending machines include devices for mechanically engaging and dispensing individual periodicals through handle operated mechanisms, the operation of the handle generally being blocked by a coin operated lock. Such devices are complex and subject to mechanical damage or malfunction. Some of these devices also include penetrating means for engaging and removing a periodical. Such means tend to damage the dispensed periodical, particularly where the removal is difficult due to overfilling or the like.

This invention provides a novel vending apparatus for periodicals which avoids the disadvantages of prior art apparatus by furnishing a device for conveying a stack of periodicals toward a dispensing and feeding device, the operation of the conveyor being blocked by a coin operated locking device.

This invention also furnishes a novel device for effectively dispensing single periodicals upon release of a coin operated lock which is particularly suited for inclusion in modified prior art vending apparatus, by furnishing a conveyor-activated dispensing mechanism configured to be incorporated within the confines of conventional dispensers.

The invention further provides an improved vending apparatus, simple in consruction, operation and maintenance, by furnishing a handle actuated conveyor mechanism, blocked by a coin operated lock, for simultaneously moving the entire stock of periodicals for gravity feed of the lead or first periodical.

' The above objects are preferably achieved by providing a dispensing device having a handle-operated conveyor enclosed by a housing. The conveyor is biased in a rearward, non-dispensing position and a coin operated lock retains the conveyor in the non-dispensing position until release thereof by insertion of coins. Upon actuation of the conveyor from the non-dispensing position, the lead periodical is moved toward a dispensing slot and a feeding device. The feeding device dispenses the lead periodical of a stack of periodicals disposed on the conveyor. Upon release of the handle, the conveyor is returned to the non-dispensing position and is retained by the coin operated lock. 7

The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will become better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the following detailed description, in view of the accompanying drawings, wherein like components throughout the figures thereof are indicated by like numerals and wherein:

Brief description of the drawings FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view, further enlarged, of the apparatus of FIGURE 1 during one phase of operation;

FIGURE 5 is a view similar to FIGURE 4, showing another phase of operation of the apparatus;

FIGURE 6 is a transverse sectional view, further enlarged, of a portion of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 7 is a plan view of the apparatus of FIGURE 4 with components thereof partly broken away; and

FIGURE 8 is a perspective fragmentary view, illustrating a modified portion of the apparatus in accordance wtih the invention.

Description of the preferred embodiment Referring now to FIGURE 1 of the drawings, the vending apparatus comprises a frame, generally indicated at 10, comprising a frame member formed to provide forward legs 12 and having forwardly projecting side elements 14a (FIGURE 3) and 14b extending therefrom. Since the apparatus is symmetrical on each side of the longitudinal centerline, identical components on the left and right sides of the centerline Will be indicated hereinafter by like numerals postscripted with the letters a and b, respectively. Rear legs 16 are pivotally connected to the forward legs 12 providing a stable support for the apparatus. A transparent housing 18, pivotally connected at the forward end thereof to the side elements 14a and 14b, provides an enclosure for contents of the apparatus. A receiver 20, formed of sheet metal, plastic or the like, depends from the forward edge of the side elements 14a and 14b beneath the housing 18. A handle 22 extends through the forward face of the housing and a coin box 24, of conventional design, is attached to the rear of the frame 10, extending above the housing 18.

Referring more particularly to FIGURE 2, the coin box 24 has an annular collar 26 slidably' mounted thereon. A forwardly projecting flange 28 having lugs 30 depend ing therefrom is formed on the collar 26 and a pair of openings 32 are provided in the rear edge of the housing 18 at points coinciding with the lugs 30. The collar 26 is movable between a lower position (shown in FIGURE 1) and an upper position, as shown in FIGURE 2, to provide for insertion and removal of the lugs 30 from the openings 32 to thereby releasably retain the housing 18 in the closed positions shown in FIGURE 1. A conventional key-operated lock means (not shown) is provided on the rear of the collar 26 to normally fix the collar in the position shown in FIGURE 1 to thereby normally lock the housing 18 in the closed condition.

As seen in FIGURE 3, the device is illustrated in solid line in its normal, locked configuration and in phantom with the housing 18 rotated to an open. position, thereby providing access to the contents for replenishing or replacement thereof.

Referring now more particularly to FIGURES 4 and 5 of the drawings, the apparatus is provided with a conveyor, shown generally at 34, disposed between the side elements 14a and 14b. The conveyor comprises forward and rear rollers 36 and 38, rotatably mounted on axles 37 (FIGURE 6) and 39, respectively, between the side elements, and endless chain link conveyor belts 40a and 40b (FIGURE 7) entrained around the rollers. A cross member 42 is disposed between the side elements 14:: and 14b to support a floor 44 in supporting relation to the lower surface of the upper runs of the belts 40a and 40b. A plurality of transversely disposed channels 46, for receiving and holding individual periodicals (shown in phantom line at 48), are mounted to the upper runs of the belts 40a and 40b. Biasing arms 50a and 50b (FIG- URE 7) are pivotally connected to the lower run of the belts 40a and 40b for purposes to be described hereinafter.

A back member 52, disposed substantially normal to the side elements 14, is attached to the rear of the upper run of the belts 40a and 40b. The handle 22 is connected to the side edges of the back member. A roller 54 supports the handle and back member structure for movement as shown in the arrangement of FIGURE 3. Rearwardly extending tongues 56a and 56b (FIGURE 7), having openings 58 therein, are fixed to the rear face of the back member 52 for purposes to be described hereinbelow.

Referring now more specifically to FIGURE 6, a rail 60a, in the form of an L-shaped channel, is fixed to the side element 14a, positioned to support the roller 54a and the back member 52. A guide element 62a engages the side edge of the back member 52 to constrain the back member against sideward movement. A cross support 64 is disposed between the side elements and has mounted thereon a longitudinally extending rear axle support 66a which receives the axle 39. The upper surface of the axle support 66a is provided with a guide surface 68a which engages the lower edge of the back member 52. The guide 62a and the guide surface 68a are preferably made of, or coated with, a material having a low coeflicient of friction such, for example, as polytetrafluoroethylene or the like.

Referring again to FIGURES 4 and 5, a front frame element 72 extends between the side elements 14a and 14b and supports a pair of pivotal feed elements 74a and 74b. The forward edge of the housing 18 is disposed in spaced relation to the element 72 to define a slot 75 therebetween through which the periodicals are dispensed. The feed elements, normally retained in the position shown in FIGURE 5 under the biasing influence of a spring 76, have, formed in the upper surface thereof, a vertical face 78 and are provided with horizontally extending stop elements 80 on the rearward facing surface.

As can be seen by reference to FIGURE 7, the biasing arms 50a and 50b are pivotally mounted to the axle supports 66a and 66b by means of pins 82. Slots 84, formed in the inner ends of the arms 50a and 50b, receive pins 86 for pivotal and sliding connection with the lower runs of the respective belts 40a and 40b. Tension springs 88a and 88b connect the outer ends of the arms 50a and 50b to a transverse back panel 90 to thereby provide means to bias the arms in the position shown in the figure. By so biasing the arms 50a and 50b, the lower run of the conveyor 34 is biased in a forward direction to thereby bias the upper run thereof rearwardly and normally position the back member 52 adjacent to the back panel 90 as shown.

As also can be seen by reference to FIGURE 7, the tongues 56a and 56b extend into the coin box 24 to be engaged and retained by a coin-operated lock mechanism (not shown). Such devices are known in the art and generally comprise movable lugs which enter the openings 58 in the tongues, when positioned as shown in FIGURE 7, to block withdrawal of the tongues. When the suitable coin or combination of coins is inserted in the mechanism, the lugs are freed to permit withdrawal of the lugs by camming or other action. Such a lock mechanism suitable for the purposes of this invention is manufactured, for example, by News Equipment Sales Corporation of Oakland, .Calif., and is incorporated in conventional vending apparatus now in use.

As also can be seen by reference to FIGURE 7, the forward roller 36 is supported by forward axle blocks 92a and 92b mounted to the front frame element 72 rotatably supporting the roller axle 37.

In the operation of the apparatus as thus far described, periodicals 48 are disposed on the conveyor 34 with each periodical being situated in separate channel 46. With specific reference to FIGURES 4 and 5, the apparatus is initially positioned in the configuration of FIGURE 5 (shown in a partially loaded condition). With coins inserted to actuate the coin-operated lock as described above, the tongues 56a and 56b are released. The conveyor 34 is then actuated by pulling forward on the handle 22 to move the back member. 52 and the connected conveyor 34 forwardly against the bias of the springs 88a and 88b (FIGURE 7). With specific reference now to FIGURE 4, the conveyor 34, moving on the rollers 36 and 38, shown by the arrows, presents the lead periodical 48 to the surface 78 of the feed elements 74a and 74b. Further movement of the conveyor in the forward direction pivots the feed elements from the position shown in FIGURE 5 to that of FIGURE 4, thereby passing the lead periodical 48 over the position of the feed elements into the slot 75, and interposes the stop element between that periodical and the next succeeding periodical, thereby preventing feeding of the succeeding periodicals into the slot. The lead periodical 48 drops, under the influence of gravity, through the slot 75 into the receiver 20. Upon release of the handle 22, the conveyor 34 returns to the position of FIGURE 5 under the influence of the springs 88a and 88b as was described above. Upon return of the tongues 56a and 56b into the box 24, the openings 58 are re-engaged by the lock mechanism and the apparatus is ready for the next cycle of operation. Discharge of the lead periodical 48 and return of the conveyor 34 into the position of FIGURE 5 also provides return of the feed elements 74a and 74b to the position shown in FIGURE 5 under the influence of the springs 76.

By reference to FIGURE 8, a modification of the invention which provides interaction between the feed elements and a position of the conveyor is illustrated. In this embodiment, elements corresponding to like elements of the first described embodiment are indicated by like numerals of the next higher order. A feed element 174, pivotally mounted at 193, has a detent-receiving opening 194 in the side thereof. A detent 195 is slidably mounted in a block 196 and is biased against the side surface of the feed element 174 by a compression spring 197. The detent has a downwardly depending cam follower 198 mounted on the end thereof. The cam follower engages a longitudinally movable cam 199 which is connected, through an arm 200, to an upwardly extending member 201, positioned to be engaged by the back member 152 in its rearwardmost position (FIGURE 5). The arm 200 is slidably disposed through a support 203 and has a flange 202 fixed intermediate the ends thereof. A compression spring 204 is disposed between the flange 202 and the support 203 to normally bias the arm 200 in a forward direction.

In the arrangement illustrated, the back member 152 is in its locked configuration and, through the upwardly extending member 201, retains the arm 200 in a rearward position against the bias of the spring 204. The cam 199, in this condition, retains the detent 195 outwardly against the bias of the spring 197 through action of the cam surface on the cam follower 198, thereby maintaining the detent out of contact with the side surface of the feed member 174. Upon forward movement of the back member 152 as described for the preceding embodiment, the arms 200 and the cam 199 move forwardly under the influence of the spring 204, thereby releasing the detent 195 and cam follower 198 for inward movement against the side surface of the feed element 174. As the feed element is rotated to the feed position, the detent receiving opening 194 is rotated around the pivot 193 to a position coincident with the detent 195 where-upon the detent 195 enters the opening thereby locking the feed element 174 in the feed position. The feed element 174 remains in the feed position until the back member 152 is returned to its rearwardmost position engaging the upwardly extending member 201 and drawing the arm 200 and cam 199 rearwardly to the position shown in FIGURE 8 Whereupon the detent 195 is Withdrawn from the detent-receiving opening 194 by action of the cam against the cam follower 198 and the feed element 174 is released for return to the position illustrated under the influence of the spring 74.

In the above-described embodiment, feeding of subsequent periodicals 48 into the slot 75 is precluded by the retention of the stop element 80 in the feed position until the return of the back member 152 to the full rearward position for engagement of the tongues 56a and 56b by the coin-operated box mechanism.

For purposes of simplification, newspapers are embraced within the term periodicals as used in this specification and the appended claims.

What is new and therefore desired to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. An apparatus for vending periodicals comprising:

a frame;

conveyor means mounted on the frame for supporting and conveying longitudinally stacked periodicals, means to move the conveyor means between a rearward and forward position, and means to bias the conveyor means in the rearward position; and

lock means releasably retaining the conveyor in the rearward position.

2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 further comprising enclosure means including a housing mounted on the frame to enclose the conveyor means, the enclosure means including a latch releasably connecting the housing to the frame.

3. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the means to move the conveyor means comprises a handle extending from the housing and connected to the conveyor means.

4. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein feeding means including a transverse slot are associated with the forward edge of the conveyor means.

5. An apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein the feeding means comprises vertically disposed feed members pivotally mounted to the forward edge of the frame for movement between a vertical position for receiving the lead periodical and a position displaced therefrom for guiding the lead periodical into the slot and blocking movement of the succeeding periodical into the slot upon movement of the conveyor means toward the forward position, and means for biasing the feed members in the vertical position.

6. An apparatus in accordance with claim 5 wherein means are associated with the feeding means to maintain the feeding means in the displaced position until return of the conveyor means to the rearward position.

7. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the conveyor means comprises a pair of horizontally disposed, longitudinally spaced rollers rotatably mounted to the frame, endless belt means entrained around the rollers, and a plurality of transverse periodical receiving channels disposed on at least the upper run of the belt.

8. An apparatus in accordance with claim 7 wherein the conveyor means further comprises a back member having a vertically disposed portion mounted on the belt adjacent the rearwardmost channel.

9. An apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein the lock means comprises a tongue extending rearwardly from the back member, a keeper disposed to normally engage and retain the tongue when the back member is in the rearward position, and a coin-operated means for actuating the keeper to release the tongue.

10. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the means to bias the conveyor means comprises a pair of transversely extending arms pivotally mounted to the frame and slidably connected to the lower run of the belt, a portion of the length of each of the arms extending outwardly from the pivot point therefor, and resilient means urging the outward portion of the arms rearwardly to thereby bias the upper run of the belt rearwardly.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,640,666 8/1927 OFlynn 221-77 1,659,167 2/ 1928 Schultz 221227 2,021,322 11/1935 Newberry 22182 3,104,781 9/1963 Clift 221-227 3,227,307 1/ 1966 Auerbach et al 22184 WALTER SOBIN, Primary Examiner.

U.S. Cl. X.R. 

